Our daily research activities updates are shared through posts on X. https://x.com/hayashi_issp

About Biophysics studied in the ISSP

In recent years, physics has expanded to include biological systems, with thermodynamics and statistical mechanics traditionally focusing on equilibrium states of physical systems to reveal the properties of various materials. However, living cells and proteins exist in nonequilibrium states.

Since many physical measurement techniques are based on equilibrium statistical mechanics, it becomes challenging to perform measurements in nonequilibrium states, where theorems and laws no longer hold. Under such circumstances, it is essential to develop new measurement and analytical methods for studying cells and proteins by utilizing mathematics and physics.

• The fluctuation theorem
• A nano-spring made from DNA origami
• Extreme value analysis

Another focus of our laboratory is applying advanced techniques developed in applied physics at the ISSP to a new materials: biological systems. Since the PI joined in 2023, and the lab officially began in 2024, we have been actively engaging in collaborative research within the ISSP.
– Charged nano-bubbles applied to cells
– Neutron scattering data analysis using Bayesian estimation

Differences from other biophysics Labs:

1. We approach biophysics in a very broad sense, not confining our research to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics but instead employing general methodologies from applied physics. By enjoying research, we aim to establish our own unique biophysics.
2. Since the PI is affiliated with the Department of Complexity Science and Engineering, the Graduate School of Frontier Sciences at the University of Tokyo, we consider programming and computational methodologies in information science to be equally important.
3. As a joint-use research institute, we aim to foster human resource development through collaboration with other institutions.

The information of publications is listed in the following URL. https://researchmap.jp/read0155075

Extreme-value analysis in nano-biological systems: Applications and Implications
K. Hayashi*, N. Takamatsu, S. Takaramoto
[Open Access] Biophysics Reviews (2024) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12551-024-01239-w

Commentary to “Application of Non-equilibrium physics”: a session of the 21th IUPAB Congress 2024, Kyoto, Japan
K. Hayashi*, C.B. Li
Biophysical Reviews (2024) https://doi.org/10.1007/s12551-024-01209-2

Extreme Value Analysis of Intracellular Cargo Transport by Motor Proteins
T. Naoi, Y. Kagawai, K. Nagino, S. Niwa, K. Hayashi*
[Open Access] Communications Physics (2024) https://www.nature.com/articles/s42005-024-01538-4

The third Japan-U.S. symposium on motor proteins and associated single-molecule biophysics
T. Shima*, K. Hayashi
Biophysics and Physicobiology (2023) https://doi.org/10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v20.0037

Number of kinesins engaged in axonal cargo transport: A novel biomarker for neurological disorders
K. Hayashi*, K. Sasaki
[Open Access] Neuroscience Research (2023) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neures.2023.09.004